In the IELTS Speaking test part 2, you are asked to speak for 2 minutes about a topic given on a cue card. This topic often asks you to share your own experiences. This section of the IELTS test checks how well you can speak English, understand the topic, think deeply, and share your stories in a conversation. In this blog, we will explain to you how to talk about one of such topics: "Describe a time when you observed the star."
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IELTS Speaking test format
The Speaking test takes between 11 and 14 minutes and consists of 3 parts.
Part 1: The first part of the test where the examiner will ask you some general questions about familiar topics like work, family, studies, and hobbies.
Part 2: You will be given a cue card with a topic. You will be given one minute to take notes on the topic and will be given a pencil and paper to prepare your response. You will then speak on the topic for two minutes.
Part 3: In the interview, you will have a two-way discussion with the examiner where they will ask questions related to the topic discussed in Part 2.
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Describe a time when you observed the star – IELTS cue card topic (Speaking part 2)
In this task you will be given a cue card, for example: With the topic “Describe a time when you observed the star”.
You can form your answer based on a time whenever you observed the star, It could be about any good day that you experienced while gazing at the star.
Note: This topic requires you to share a story that illustrates your ability to make a conversation with others to build a connection.
Describe a time when you observed the star – IELTS cue card (Sample question)
Describe a time when you observed the star
You should say:
When was it?
Where were you?
What did you do there?
Explain why you enjoyed observing stars and how it made you feel.
Describe a time when you observed the star – IELTS cue card (Sample answers)
Crafting responses at different band levels for an IELTS Speaking test involves varying the language, depth of analysis, and fluency of the response. Here are sample answers for your reference for bands 6, 7, and 8. Here's how you can approach answering the IELTS cue card topic about describing a time when you observed the star.
Sample response for band 6:
When was it? It was about two years ago, during the summer holidays.
Where were you? I was at my cousin's house in the countryside, where the sky was clearer than in the city.
What did you do there? We set up a small tent in the backyard, lay down on the grass, and looked up at the sky. We didn't have a telescope or anything, so we just saw it through our eyes.
Explain why you enjoyed observing stars and how it made you feel. I liked looking at the stars because it was peaceful and quiet. It made me feel relaxed and happy to be spending time with my family. It was nice to see something so beautiful that didn't cost anything.
Sample response for band 7:
When was it? I remember it clearly; it was last year's spring break.
Where were you? I was on a camping trip with a few friends in the mountains. It's a place far from city lights, so the sky is very clear there.
What did you do there? We had a night dedicated to stargazing. We used a basic telescope my friend brought to look at the stars and constellations. We also tried identifying the constellations using a guidebook.
Explain why you enjoyed observing stars and how it made you feel. Observing the stars was an enlightening experience for me. It was fascinating to think about how vast the universe is and how small our problems seem in comparison. It made me feel curious and eager to learn more about astronomy. The calmness of the night and the beauty of the sky filled me with a sense of wonder and peace.
Sample response for band 8:
When was it? It was a particularly memorable evening during the autumn equinox last year.
Where were you? I had gone to a secluded observatory organised in the heart of a national park, renowned for its minimal light pollution and breathtaking night skies.
What did you do there? Armed with a sophisticated telescope provided by the observatory, I started on a guided tour of the night sky. The guide pointed out various celestial phenomena, from distant galaxies to nebulae, and even shooting stars.
Explain why you enjoyed observing stars and how it made you feel. Looking at the stars that night really made me think and feel humble. It made me really appreciate how big and complex the universe is, and how small our part in it is. Seeing how huge the universe is and how beautiful the stars and planets are made me feel amazed and very curious. It wasn't just about watching the stars; it was an experience that really touched me. It made me think deeply about life and the universe and left me feeling peaceful and full of wonder.
Note: Remember, these are just examples. You can make your answers more personal based on your own experiences. Also, in the IELTS Speaking test, a human examiner listens to you and understands your feelings as you speak, unlike an AI which other tests involve. So, it's important to practice speaking and improve your language skills for a better life in your dream destination where IELTS can help you achieve that dream. Therefore, it is recommended to choose the right test that suits your needs for a smooth journey abroad.
With the help of these answers, you can understand the progression in language complexity, coherence, and the ability to engage with the topic, reflecting the characteristics expected at different bands.
Additionally, if you are looking for more answers related to the IELTS test then you can get in touch with your nearest IDP IELTS test centre. Our team of IELTS experts will surely clear all your queries.
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